Join

Weems Elementary earns Virginia Purple Star

MANASSAS – (Press Release) Weems Elementary School is one of 59 schools in the state to earn a Virginia Purple Star Award for meeting the needs of military children and families. The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on the Educational Opportunity for Military Children established the Purple Star designation to recognize military-friendly schools that have demonstrated their commitment to meeting the needs of military-connected students and their families.
 
“Virginia is proud to have one of the nation’s largest numbers of military-connected students in our schools, but we also know that repeated relocations or separation when a parent is deployed can be challenging for military families,” said Governor Northam. “I commend the students, educators, and administrators at these 59 schools for leading by example and working to create supportive learning environments.”
 
“As a former Marine, I recognize and appreciate the sacrifices required of each member of a military family,” said Virginia Secretary of Education Atif Qarni. “When we celebrate schools for their commitment to these military-connected students and families, we also celebrate and support the efforts of our Armed Forces.”
 
Virginia is home to several of the largest and most important military installations in the nation. The Defense Manpower Data Center estimates that there are more than 73,000 school age military-associated children of active duty members in Virginia.
 
The Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children was created in 2009 to consider any and all matters related to the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. The compact expresses the commitment of participating states to removing barriers to academic success for children of military families.
 
Weems will be recognized at the November 13, 2018 School Board meeting during the Superintendent’s Spotlights and Announcements time.
 

Author

Recent Stories

ARTfactory and Birmingham Green made headlines in Manassas this week. ARTfactory’s Rooftop Productions, now Actors Theatre, won seven awards at the 2024 DC Broadway World Awards, including Best Musical for Kinky Boots and Best Choreography for The Rocky Horror Show. ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre also earned recognition, winning Best Theatre for Young Audiences for its production of The Wizard of Oz.

Meanwhile, Birmingham Green, ranked as Northern Virginia’s top nursing home by Newsweek Magazine, announced Duane Smith as its new Nursing Home Administrator, effective December 30, 2024. Smith brings extensive experience from senior living leadership roles across multiple states and holds several professional qualifications. Birmingham Green continues its 90-year mission of providing quality long-term care to Northern Virginians in need.

Looking for a new best friend? Meet Echo, a 3-4-month-old pup full of love, energy, and curiosity. This little guy, possibly a Boxer mix, is still finding his voice, but…

Should Virginia ditch the longstanding practice of electing the General Assembly and the governor in odd year elections?

The first odd year election in Virginia was in 1851, after a new state Constitution was approved and members of the House were elected to a two-year term. Before that, members of the House had one-year terms, and voters selected members every single year.

Now, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell says modern day voters are sick and tired of voting every year.

A Manassas man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for providing drugs and alcohol to a child in exchange for sex acts and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting the same victim as well as other children.

According to court documents, Olajide Benjamin Ayilaran, 24, met a 14-year-old girl during the summer of 2023 and began communicating with the victim via iMessage. In the messages, Ayilaran offered to provide the victim drugs, alcohol, and nicotine products in exchange for sex acts. Between at least Nov. 21, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024, Ayilaran met the victim nine times, usually in the morning before the victim went to school, to exchange the products for sexual acts. Ayilaran would wait for the victim in his car in a nearby park. When the victim arrived, he gave her the drugs and alcohol and then had the victim perform sex acts on him in the car.

Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?

On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??

But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.

What’s in store:

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Ă—

Subscribe to our mailing list